Frank J. Whaley

December 26, 1932 - December 24, 2012

WHALEY, FRANK JOSEPH – age 79, of Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 24, 2012. He was a member of Meridian Baptist Church, South Knoxville. He was born in the Chestnut Hill Community of Jefferson County, on December 26, 1932 to the late Clisby Washington (C.W.) and Maudie Mae Smelcer Whaley. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maxine Ownby Whaley; son, Jeffrey Frank Whaley; daughters, Pamela Whaley Lee (Dr. Richard T. Lee) and Trish Whaley Walker (Mark A. Walker); grandson, Daniel Mark Walker; and granddaughters, Lindsay Jordan Lee, Stephanie Mae Lee, and Lydia Mae Walker. He is also survived by his brothers, Loran (Pat) Whaley, of Dandridge, TN, and Loy (Ronda) Whaley, of Sevierville, TN, as well as several nieces and nephews. Frank was a long time member of Meridian Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Trustee, and a member of several committees. Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Military Policeman from 1952 to 1954, and married his soul mate on December 24, 1954. Frank graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Frank and Maxine were owners of Whaley Steel and Products Company in South Knoxville from 1972 to 2006. The family would like to thank the personal caretakers who assisted with his care the last few months, especially Shannon. The family would also like to thank Dr. John H. Dougherty, Jr., A.D. Baxter MSSW, and the staff at the Cole Neuroscience Center at The University of Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc., 2270 Sutherland Avenue, Suite 202, Knoxville, TN 37919 or online at http://www.alztennessee.org/. The family will receive friends at Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 on Friday, December 28th from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Rev. Dana Fachman officiating. The family will meet at the Shiloh Cemetery in Pigeon Forge on Saturday, December 29th at 11:00 A.M. for the graveside service.